NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Department of Correction received a $200,000 grant to expand a program that helps offenders smoothly transition into life after prison. The program gives offenders temporary, transitional housing after they are released, giving them a place to stay while they search for more stable housing.
The program used to only be available to offenders on probation or parole, according to a release from TDOC. However, the grant will help them expand the program and start serving people who served their sentences but are not being released on supervision.
The program is part of a partnership with the Tennessee Housing Development Agency. According to a release, the grant will pay for up to 60 days of housing for eligible applicants.
“Access to affordable housing is crucial for anyone leaving prison and helps to reduce the likelihood of re-offending,” said Commissioner Lisa Helton in a release. “This new effort will allow them time to focus on securing employment and saving for permanent housing when they first leave incarceration."
Reentry staff with TDOC also said they work with inmates before they are released, helping them develop a home plan. If the inmate can not make suitable housing arrangements, they said they connect offenders with approved organizations that provide transitional housing. A full list of approved norganizations is available online.